Trump likely to meet Modi and Quad leaders in Manila before Xi talks

US President Donald Trump is likely to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other Quad leaders in Manila this month, shortly before he sits down with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Shenzhen. The meetings come as Republicans' heavy losses in the US midterms have weakened Trump at home.

Both leaders are expected to travel to the Philippines for the ASEAN summits and related meetings, including the East Asia Summit, hosted by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. from November 14 to 18. A one-on-one between Modi and Trump has not been scheduled yet.

A Quad summit on the sidelines is considered likely, with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese joining. It would be the first gathering of the grouping since Trump returned to the White House in January 2025. Under Joe Biden, three of the five leaders' summits were held.

Why does this matter for ordinary Indians? The long-awaited India-US trade agreement, said to be close to completion, affects exporters, jobs and prices. A Trump short of political capital could turn more protectionist to please voters at home. But his need to show economic wins could also give New Delhi more bargaining power.

The Shenzhen meeting adds another layer. Trump may seek a trade understanding with Xi to calm tariff tensions. Any thaw could raise questions about how firmly Washington stands behind the Quad, which India, Japan, Australia and the US formed to counter China's influence in the Indo-Pacific.

Democrats now control both chambers of Congress. That makes it harder for Trump to pass legislation, and gives lawmakers power to summon officials, demand documents and probe policy, including tariffs. It does not strip him of his authority over diplomacy or his ability to negotiate trade deals with China or India.

Modi was among the first world leaders to meet Trump after his second inauguration, and on February 13, 2025, they agreed to pursue a bilateral trade deal. Manila could show whether that promise gets closer to the finish line. Read the original report at Deccan Herald.

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